NETGEAR has unveiled its first WiFi 7 router – Nighthawk RS700
Although the performance of mainstream WiFi 6 is commendable, faster wireless speeds are always preferable, particularly when faced with tasks such as wireless VR streaming and 8K video streaming. Citing information from Businesswire and Liliputing, NETGEAR recently introduced their first WiFi 7 router, the Nighthawk RS700.
The Nighthawk RS700 is a tri-band router employing Broadcom’s BCM6726/3 solution, offering bandwidth up to 19 Gbps and support for mesh networks. In terms of connectivity, it features a 10-gigabit WAN port, a 10-gigabit LAN port, four gigabit LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port. Naturally, it is backward compatible, ensuring seamless operation with existing WiFi 4, 5, and 6 devices, albeit without access to the new standard’s features.
Presently, the router is available for pre-order at a price of $700, with NETGEAR expecting to deliver the product to customers in the second quarter of this year. While the price may seem steep for a single router, considering its superior performance and NETGEAR’s reputation, it is well-suited for users seeking higher speeds or planning for the future. After all, there are currently few devices supporting WiFi 7, with high-end laptops typically equipped with Intel’s AX1690i WiFi 6E card, let alone smartphones, tablets, or highly-integrated gaming consoles.
It is worth noting that, in addition to NETGEAR RS700, users can opt for TP-Link’s BE24000, another WiFi 7 router with a similarly hefty price tag. For those desiring a more affordable WiFi 7 router, they may need to exercise patience and wait a bit longer.
